The John Koowarta Scholarship is the only national scholarship dedicated to helping Indigenous students realise their ambitions of becoming lawyers. It was created 23 years ago and honours Aboriginal land rights pioneer John Koowarta, a Winychanam Elder from the Archer River region around Cape York.

“Whether helping younger students with the transition to secondary school, or coaching them at the local football and netball club, Tayla has been a positive role model in Swan Hill, Victoria – where she’s excelled academically,” Ms McLeod said.